Special to GUIDON

Dust off the fishing pole, grab some catfish-tempting bait and join us for the 10th annual Kid’s Catfishing Derby, co-sponsored by the Outdoor Adventure Center and the Natural Resources Branch of Fort Leonard Wood.

This year’s event is scheduled June 9. All fishing permits will be waived for this event, and no pre-registration is needed. Kids can register at the pond, starting at 8 a.m. on derby day, with registration ending at 10 am. Fishing will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 11 a.m. This event will be held rain or shine, so dress accordingly and bring bug spray and sunscreen if necessary.

The pond at Training Area 228 will again be the site of this popular fishing derby. This one-acre TA228 pond can be reached by taking Iowa Avenue (FLW Route 1) south toward Range Control, turning right onto FLW Route 38, traveling west until you see the sign for the derby parking area on your left. Directional signs leading from the main gate to the pond will be posted.

Children ages 2 to 15 will be allowed to fish for catfish. Parents can help ensure an enjoyable outing by considering their youngster’s age and abilities. While there is no minimum age to participate in this event, derby sponsors have found that many children under the age of 4 do not have the patience or physical skills needed to hold a fishing pole, cast, set a hook and reel in a fish.

Adults are welcome to give young anglers a limited helping hand and lots of fishing tips, but will not be allowed to fish themselves. The focus of the derby is to make sure that all children have fun — and children have the most fun when they can brag that they caught a catfish “all by themselves.”

Children are encouraged to bring their own fishing tackle and bait; however, the Natural Resources Branch will have a few fishing poles available to loan to children on a first-come-first-served basis. Because of the past popularity and nature of this event, children will be allowed to fish with only one pole during the derby.

To insure a good time, the pond will be stocked with 500 hungry channel catfish ranging from one to four pounds, with most of the fish averaging about two pounds apiece. Each young angler will be allowed to keep up to three channel catfish during the derby. Any young angler who catches one of 20 catfish that has a red tag will get to choose from a group of special prizes.

As always, the Outdoor Adventure Center, along with local businesses, will provide free food and refreshments. Restroom facilities (porta-potties) will be available; however, no running water is available on site.

Kids will still be allowed to fish after the official end of the derby; however, the daily limit of three catfish and the children-only rules will remain in effect until 8 a.m. on June 11, when the regulations for this pond will revert to the normal daily limit of four catfish and anglers of any age may fish. The special regulations for the weekend will also be posted at the pond and enforced by the post game wardens.

For more information, contact the staff of the Outdoor Adventure Center, Bldg. 2290 on FLW Route K, at 596.4223, or Natural Resources Branch office, Bldg. 2222 on First Street, at 596.7604.